Rolling Hills Prep is known for supporting "creative spirits" through the exploration of drama and the production of high-quality plays and musicals. Students enjoy the opportunity to build acting, playwriting, directing, and design skills in theater courses and to expand and share those skills through productions on and off campus.

Drama classes begin in 6th grade with improvisation games, story dramatizations and the performance of plays and self-written skits. As part of the arts rotation, all 6th and 7th grade students take a 9-week drama course. Students have performance options on Grandparents' and Friends' Day, International Day, and in other showcases throughout the year.

In Upper School, students may take Theater I, II, and III to develop acting, playwriting, directing and design skills. Through theater grames and exercises, scene studies, reading and deconstructing plays, and viewing and discussing plays, students build creative thinking, teamwork and aesthetic analysis skills. Upper school drama students also appear in at least one evening production of one act plays performed to great applause by family and friends.

Middle School Productions

8th Grade PlayEvery 8th grader participates on-stage in the annual 8th Grade Play. A tradition at the school and a rite of passage, the play is directed by Head of School Peter McCormack, with assistance from the performing arts teachers and other faculty and parents. Past performances have included "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Flowers for Algernon," and "Macbeth," and other classics and modern dramas.

Middle School MusicalNewly added in 2014, the Middle School now produces and performs its own musical show. The production is open to any middle school student. The first production was "Bugsy Malone." During the middle school musical production, students also participate in the Technical Theatre crew and meetings.

Upper School Productions

Fall PlayUpper school students audition for all parts of the fall play, which has included comedies and dramas. Students also manage production and technical aspects of the shows, including building, painting, lighting, and sound. RHP plays have been recognized by the California Theatre Association and the California State Thespians.

Winter MusicalThe winter musical is open by audition to all upper school students and is performed at the historic Warner Grand Theater, a beautifully renovated 1939 Art Deco theatre space. The musical is supported by a live orchestra, giving students that true Broadway feel. Past musicals have included "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," "The Wizard of Oz," and "The Wedding Singer." Students also play a key role backstage and have the opportunity to work alongside working professionals in the technical theatre world.

One ActsTheatre students perform a series of contemporary one-acts and short plays on three evenings throughout the year. The plays may be student directed and include material for the beginner through the advanced student. Students from the theatre classes have been recognized by the California State Thespians at their annual One Act Festival.

Technical TheatreUpper school students in the tech crew have access to materials, tools, and paint to assist in the creation of the sets. The tech crew take on responsibilities of stage management, lighting, and sound for the shows.

Thespian SocietyRHP is an active member of the International Thespian Society and the California State Thespians. Membership is earned through participation on stage and backstage. The troupe plans many activities throughout the year and participates in the California State Thespian Festival in March.

Middle School Productions

8th Grade Play

Middle School Musical

Upper School Productions

Fall Play

Winter Musical

One Acts

Technical Theatre

Thespian Society

Rolling Hills Preparatory School

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Rolling Hills Prep School prides itself on being a forward-looking, academically rigorous college-prep school with a soul. Every day we provide our diverse student body a high-powered traditional curriculum combined with stimulating and innovative teaching techniques both inside and outside the classroom because we believe that success in college and life is best attained by equipping our students with disciplined minds, sound character, healthy bodies and creative spirits. RHP is a private, coeducational day school for grades 6-12, located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles, CA.

Renaissance, our sister school, believes that bright students who learn differently can rise to great heights when they become empowered and confident. Visit the Renaissance website.